Adult Guidelines Research Articles

Self-Efficacy of Nurses and Physicians in the Emergency Department and Its Influence on the Outcomes of Trauma Patients

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of self-efficacy on the implementation of the adult trauma clinical practice guidelines (ATCPGs) on improving trauma patient outcomes, including missed injuries, and ED LOS. Nurses’ and physicians’ self-efficacy in performing ATCPGs skills were evaluated three months prior to and three months after the intervention’s implementation. Multiple strategies of ATCPGs implementation improved the length of stay (LOS) in the ED for multiple trauma patients. The quasi-experimental design has been implemented in this interventional study. Post-intervention, the self-efficacy of ED healthcare providers in performing ATCPGs skills has increased. Implementation of the ATCPGs has improved the outcomes of patients with multiple traumas. There were 66 patients in this study, and 53 (80.3%) of them were male. The ATCPGs intervention resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the amount of time spent in the ED, as shown by a comparison of the ED LOS in minutes between the two groups (t = 2.56; p = 0.013). Implementing the ATCPGs has improved multiple trauma patients’ outcomes. The results will help decision-makers at hospitals to facilitate interdisciplinary ATCPGs training sessions and establish policies and procedures to introduce adult trauma sheet in the ED to improve multiple trauma patients’ outcomes.

Evaluation of a continuing education course on guideline-concordant management of acute dental pain

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of a free online continuing education (CE) course that sought to address barriers of capability by training dental team members in the specific recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA)-endorsed adult guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain, shared decision-making, and the adoption of the guideline into practice.MethodsIn 2022 and 2023, dentists completed an online, asynchronous CE course on the guideline-concordant pharmacologic management of acute dental pain. They completed 11-item knowledge tests before and after completing the course. Total scores on the pre- and post-tests were compared using a t-test.ResultsThe mean score increased from 7.68 (SD = 1.08) on the pretest to 8.79 (SD = 1.35) on the post-test (t(4468) = -27.34, p < .01), indicating that dentists gained knowledge from the CE course.ConclusionsWe found that the CE course increased knowledge with respect to the guideline recommendations and shared decision-making but not epidemiology or incorporating a guideline into practice. Future studies should evaluate whether the CE course increased guideline-concordant prescribing.

Tracking and Transition Probability of Blood Pressure From Childhood to Midadulthood

Despite its relevance for pediatric blood pressure (BP) screening, the long-term predictive utility and natural progression of pediatric BP classification remain understudied. To evaluate BP tracking from childhood to midadulthood using the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) thresholds and estimate transition probabilities among BP classifications over time considering multiple time points. The analyses were performed in 2023 using data gathered from September 1980 to August 2018 within the longitudinal Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Participants had BP examined 9 times over 38 years, from childhood (aged 6-12 years) or adolescence (15-18 years) to young adulthood (21-27 years), late young adulthood (30-37 years), and midadulthood (39-56 years). BP classifications (normal, elevated, hypertension) were based on AAP guidelines for children and adolescents and the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for adults. Outcomes were BP classifications at follow-up visits. Tracking coefficients were calculated using generalized estimated equations. Transition probabilities among BP classifications were estimated using multistate Markov models. This study included 2918 participants (mean [SD] baseline age, 10.7 [5.0] years; 1553 female [53.2%]). Over 38 years, the tracking coefficient (odds ratio [OR]) for maintaining elevated BP/hypertension was 2.16 (95% CI, 1.95-2.39). Males had a higher probability than females of progressing to and maintaining hypertension and a lower probability of reverting to normal BP from childhood to midadulthood (transition probability: from normal BP to stage 2 hypertension, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.17-0.22 vs 0.08; 95% CI, 0.07-0.10; maintaining stage 2 BP, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.27-0.39 vs 0.14; 95% CI, 0.09-0.21; from stage 2 hypertension to normal BP, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.19-0.26 vs 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52-0.62. For both sexes, the probability of transitioning from adolescent hypertension to normal BP in midadulthood was lower (transition probability, ranging from 0.16; 95% CI, 0.14-0.19 to 0.44; 95% CI, 0.39-0.48) compared with childhood hypertension (transition probability, ranging from 0.23; 95% CI, 0.19-0.26 to 0.63; 95% CI, 0.61-0.66). The probability of maintaining normal BP sharply decreased in the first 5 to 10 years, stabilizing thereafter. Children with normal BP generally maintained this status into adolescence (male: transition probability, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60-0.67; female: transition probability, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.79-0.84) but decreased by young adulthood (male: transition probability, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.39-0.44; female: transition probability, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.67-0.71). Results of this cohort study reveal an enduring association of childhood and adolescent BP (AAP thresholds) with later BP. Although childhood normal BP tends to be maintained into adolescence, the probability of reverting to and sustaining normal BP decreases notably from adolescence to young adulthood. The findings of this study underscore the importance of prevention to maintain normal BP starting in childhood, suggesting adolescence as a potential critical period. The results suggest the potential for less frequent screenings for children with initially normal BP.

Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity in Older Adults.

Obesity is a complex health issue with growing prevalence worldwide. It is also becoming more prevalent in the population of older adults (i.e., 65 years of age and older), affecting frequency and severity as well as other comorbidities, quality of life and consequently, life expectancy. In this article we review currently available data on pharmacotherapy of obesity in the population of older adults and its role in obesity management. Even though there is growing evidence, in particular in the general population, of favourable efficacy and safety profiles of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists liraglutide and semaglutide, and recently dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist tirzepatide, concise guidelines for older adults are not available to this day. We further discuss specific approaches to frequently represented phenotype of obesity in older adults, in particular sarcopenic obesity and rationale when to treat and how. In older adults with obesity there is a need for more drug trials focusing not only on weight loss, but also on geriatric endpoints including muscle mass preservation, bone quality and favourable fat distribution changes to get enough data for evidence-based recommendation on obesity treatment in this growing sub-population.

Integrating international lifestyle management of acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a rapid review of guidelines

Abstract Background The rising prevalence of comorbidity has been described as an international health priority. There has been a dramatic increase in the levels of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among those with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), with approximately 25-40% of patients admitted to hospital for ACS, also having diabetes. Comorbid ACS-T2DM provides a more complex set of symptoms for patients and clinicians to manage, and health policy makers to plan for. Those living with comorbid ACS-T2DM are at increased risk of death, another heart attack, re-hospitalisation, heart failure, reduced physical and psychological health, increased health service use and poorer quality of life. Due to shared disease determinants such as obesity, low physical activity levels and poorer dietary habits; individuals with ACS are more likely to have a comorbid T2DM. Care for patients with comorbidities is fragmented, siloed and poorly organised as it reflects a tradition of single disease management meaning comorbidity is rarely considered. Robust evidence is required to shape provision and guidance for those with comorbid ACS-T2DM and the clinicians involved in their care; with an emphasis on redesigning service provision and practice to address the needs of this growing population. Purpose To identify opportunities in existing clinical guidance to improve integrated care strategies and streamline management for those with comorbid ACS-T2DM. Methods Following Cochrane rapid review recommendations, a Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework guided eligibility. Guidelines for adults with ACS, T2DM, or both conditions in high-income countries were considered. Nineteen guidelines from the UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, Ireland, New Zealand, and the USA were compared, covering ACS (n = 10), T2DM (n = 6), and comorbid ACS-T2DM (n = 3). Lifestyle factors examined included diet/nutrition, physical activity, weight management, clinical and psychological aspects. Results The review identified consistent lifestyle recommendations for both ACS and T2DM, with overlaps in guidance for diet, physical activity, weight management, clinical, and psychological factors. The findings offer opportunity for integrated care strategies, potentially reducing duplicated lifestyle management efforts. The results lay the groundwork for more cohesive management of comorbid ACS-T2DM. Conclusions This research is relevant for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients living with comorbid ACS-T2DM. Understanding the shared lifestyle factors provides valuable insights into the potential for integrated care. Recognising the overlap in existing clinical guidelines points to opportunity for a more streamlined and effective approach to managing comorbid ACS-T2DM. This knowledge can contribute to improved patient outcomes and seek to optimise healthcare resources.

Systematic Review of Ex Vivo and In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Studies of Drugs Commonly Used During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving treatment for critically ill patients in cardiac or respiratory failure refractory to conventional treatment. Patients on an ECMO circuit (pump, oxygenator, tubing) require numerous medications including sedatives, analgesics, cardioactive medications, and anticonvulsants. Currently, there are few dosing guidelines to optimize pharmacotherapy in this situation. A systematic review was conducted to describe pharmacokinetics (PK) of medications commonly used during ECMO. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, BIOSIS, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched. All articles presenting ex vivo, animal, and human data on the PK of the subject medications in the ECMO circuit were included. Three authors independently examined citation titles and abstracts. Four authors extracted relevant details from included studies into standardized data extraction forms. Methodological quality was assessed using the ClinPK guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. Forty-four studies examining 30 medications were included, 26 ex vivo studies (mostly adult circuits) and 18 observational studies (mainly neonatal patients). Pharmacokinetics varied depending on the medication’s characteristics, study type, and population. Study quality was variable, limiting the possibility of deriving hard dosing guidelines from this available literature. Further population PK studies are needed to adequately determine dosing guidelines in adults and children requiring ECMO.

Pediatric non-nasopharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program with review of the literature

BackgroundDespite its prevalence in adults, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is considered a rare entity in pediatrics where lymphomas, neural tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas predominate in the head and neck. Given the association of squamous cell carcinoma with the human papillomavirus, a risk factor that may be present from birth, and the difficulties in staging this disease for prognostication in children, it is important to revisit nationally collected data for prevalence and outcomes assessments. ObjectiveTo examine a publicly available national database to describe the incidence, pathology, treatment, and survival of pediatric HNSCC. To review the available literature regarding management, outcomes, and risk factors for this disease process. MethodsThe National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) tumor database was queried to identify pediatric subjects ages 0 to 19 diagnosed HNSCC between 1973 and 2019. ResultsTwo-hundred ninety-two cases were identified. Subjects were 62.7 % male (n = 183) and the average age was 15.4 years (range 2–19, median 16). Subjects were 65.8 % white (n = 192), 22.9 % black (n = 67), 8.9 % Asian/Pacific Islander (n = 26), 1 % American Indian (n = 3), and 1.4 % unknown (n = 4). The most common primary sites were nasopharynx (45.9 %), oral cavity (30.5 %), larynx (8.6 %), salivary gland (4.1 %), nasal cavity & paranasal sinus (3.4 %), and lip (2.7 %). There was no statistically significant difference between primary subsite and age, race, histologic grade, or extent of disease. The 5-year overall survival was 83.6 %. DiscussionHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to present in older children and is more prevalent in White populations. The nasopharynx is the most common subsite involved, which differs from adult populations in which non-nasopharyngeal subsites including the larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx are most frequently affected. ConclusionHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma is rare in pediatric patients but should not be overlooked by physicians in the differential diagnosis, particularly in teenagers. Further study is needed to determine whether this represents a unique entity or can be staged and treated according to adult guidelines.

24-hour Movement Questionnaire (QMov24h) for adults: development process and measurement properties

BackgroundSleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity are essential components within the 24-hour time frame. Existing questionnaires used to measure these behaviours have insufficient measurement properties and are unsuitable for assessing compliance with the WHO Physical Activity and 24-hour Movement Guidelines. To describe the development process of the 24-hour Movement Questionnaire (QMov24h) and its testing. The QMov24h was developed to gather detailed information on sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity.MethodsThe sample comprised 117 participants (58% women), aged 30.95 ± 13.56 years. The development process of the QMov24h followed the COSMIN guidelines: (i) Construction of items; (ii) Face validity with end-users; (iii) Content validity with experts; (iv) Criterion validity against accelerometry and convergent validity against diary assessments; and (v) 7-day test-retest reliability.ResultsThe QMov24h presented adequate content and face validity. The QMov24h showed moderate criterion validity for sleep (rho=0.343;p<0.001), light physical activity (rho=0.31;p=0.002) and total aerobic physical activity (rho=0.343;p<0.001), as well as strong criterion validity for sedentary behaviour (rho=0.428;p<0.001) and aerobic moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (rho=0.534;p<0.001). Reliability varied from poor to excellent (ICC from 0.38 to 0.962;p<0.001) for all questionnaire variables. Regarding compliance of the 24-hour movement guidelines, the questionnaire also showed a strong to almost perfect percentage of agreement with accelerometry (from 69% to 94.3%), and minimal to strong reliability (k from 0.38 to 0.87) between the first and second administrations of the QMov24h.ConclusionsThe QMov24h questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing levels of movement behaviours and compliance with guidelines in adults. Its measurement properties are comparable to, or even better than, those of existing questionnaires, while posing a similar burden to participants. The QMov24h is useful for research, clinical practice, and public health surveillance. The QMov24h has strong psychometric properties, making it suitable for translation, cultural adaptation, and testing in diverse populations for broader international use.

Translation of Interventional Study Findings into Clinical Guidelines for Adults Requiring Maintenance Dialysis

Translation of Interventional Study Findings into Clinical Guidelines for Adults Requiring Maintenance Dialysis

Prevention Strategies in Obesity Management: A Systematic Review Comparing Canadian and American Guidelines for Adults.

The fast-increasing obesity prevalence rates in children, youths, and adults in the last decade have made obesity prevention a global public health priority. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the various obesity prevention strategies and guidelines implemented in the United States and Canada. Thus, for this study, a systematic review was performed on various online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE. The decision to study the obesity prevention strategies in Canada and the United States is a result of the high prevalence rates of obesity in the two countries, alongside the numerous prevention interventions that have been executed to prevent obesity. Additionally, the systematic review used robust methodology that followed the Cochrane guidance and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Only studies published between 2014 and 2024, drawn from listed databases, were included in this systematic review. The quality of the included studieswas evaluated using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies, with the studies being rated moderate to high quality. Therefore, a total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The findings indicate that various obesity prevention interventions have been implemented across the United States and Canada, with diverse degrees of success in obesity prevention and management. Food labeling, regular exercises, portion size regulation, school-based intervention strategies, early childhood Intervention programs, and sugar-sweetened beverage taxation were found to be effective interventions for preventing obesity in children and adults. Based on the findings, there is a need to ensure full execution of the different interventions to ensure significant reduction in obesity prevalence, as well as prevention of obesity in different populations.

Classifiers of anterior cruciate ligament status in female and male adolescents using return-to-activity criteria.

A lack of standardization exists for functional tasks in return-to-activity (RTA) guidelines for adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACLi). Identifying the variables that discern ACLi status among adolescents is a first step in the creation of such guidelines following surgical reconstruction. This study investigated the use of classification models to discern ACLi status of adolescents with and without injury using spatiotemporal variables from functional tasks typically used in RTA guidelines for adults. Sixty-four adolescents with ACLi and 70 uninjured adolescents completed single-limb hops, lunges, squats, countermovement jumps and drop-vertical jumps. Jumping distances, heights, and depths were collected. Decision trees (DTs) were used to classify ACLi status and were evaluated using the F-measure (F1), kappa statistic (ĸ) and area under the precision-recall curve (PRC). Independent t tests and effect sizes were calculated for each important classifier of the DT models. A five-variable model classified ACLi status with an accuracy of 67.5% (F1 = 0.6842; ĸ = 0.350; PRC = 0.491) with sex as a classifier. Significant differences were found in three of the four spatiotemporal variables (p ≤ 0.002). Separate models then classified ACLi status in males and females with an accuracy of 53.3% (F1 = 0.5882; ĸ = 0.0541; PRC = 0.476) and 76.9% (F1 = 0.7692; ĸ = 0.541; PRC = 0.528), respectively, with significant differences for all variables (p ≤ 0.013). Among the DT models, females were better able to classify ACLi status compared to males, highlighting the importance of sex-specific rehabilitation guidelines for adolescents. Level III.

Development of the ‘Healthy Eating Index for Older People’ to Measure Adherence to Dietary Guidelines in Healthy Older New Zealand Adults

Development of the ‘Healthy Eating Index for Older People’ to Measure Adherence to Dietary Guidelines in Healthy Older New Zealand Adults

Management of aortic disease in children with FBN1-related Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1:5000-1:10 000 individuals. It is a pleiotropic disease characterized by specific ocular, cardiovascular, and skeletal features. The most common cardiovascular complication is aortic root dilatation which untreated can lead to life-threatening aortic root dissection, mainly occurring in adult patients. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate follow-up, and timely treatment can prevent aortic events. Currently there are no specific recommendations for treatment of children with MFS, and management is greatly based on adult guidelines. Furthermore, due to the scarcity of studies including children, there is a lack of uniform treatment across different centres. This consensus document aims at bridging these gaps of knowledge. This work is a joint collaboration between the paediatric subgroup of the European Network of Vascular Diseases (VASCERN, Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease Working Group) and the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC). A group of experts from 12 different centres and 8 different countries participated in this effort. This document reviews four main subjects, namely, (i) imaging of the aorta at diagnosis and follow-up, (ii) recommendations on medical treatment, (iii) recommendations on surgical treatment, and (iv) recommendations on sport participation.

Egyptian paediatric kidney transplantation pre-transplant guidance highlights on donor and recipient assessment (R. N. 364)

BackgroundKidney transplantation for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is the best treatment option. It needs special medical and surgical expertise highly skilled in management of pediatric age group. Our Egyptian profile for causes of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in transplanted children reflects prevalence of inherited kidney diseases IKD (43%), urologic causes (26%), glomerulonephritis (GN) (17%), and unknown causes (14%). Renal graft availability remains a great challenge.AimWe need pediatric kidney transplantation (PKT) guideline since children have unique causes for ESRF compared to adults. Their transplant team should be skilled in management of children challenges. Recipients may not have one transplant per life. Long-standing immunosuppression will have its toxicity and need regular monitoring. Lots of data are extracted from adult guidelines lacking paediatric background. Young paediatric nephrologists need short version guidelines rich in educational figures for management plans. Children and their families need Arabic orientation booklets and supportive programmes. National Insurance System sponsors should be guided by National Pediatric Guidelines to minimize the centre’s variations.MethodsOur National Pediatric Guidelines are evidence based adapted from international four source guidelines with permissions [KDIGO-2020, RA/BTS 2022-2018, EAU 2018] that were appraised with Agree 2 plus tool using PIPOH format health questions. We followed the ‘adapted ADAPTE’ CPG formal adaptation methodology that consists of three phases and 24 steps and tools. It was registered on the practice guideline registration international guideline registry with a registration number IPGRP-2023-12-27 CN 312.ResultsSummary includes recommendations for assessment of (1) potential living adult donors for age, medical, surgical, immunologic, familial, metabolic, malignancy, and any donor morbidities and (2) transplant recipient assessment for age, weight, nutritional, psychosocial, immunological, infection states, primary native kidney disease, associated morbidities, the presence of genetic, immunologic, infection, and malignancy risks.ConclusionPediatric kidney transplantation guidelines aim for better donor, recipient, and graft survival. Recommendations are tailored as adopted or adapted statements from evidence-based source guidelines to suit our local pediatric CKD profile.

Asthma diagnosis: a comparison of established diagnostic guidelines in adults with respiratory symptoms

Considerable variability exists between asthma diagnostic guidelines. We tested the performance characteristics of the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines for the diagnosis of asthma in adults. In this prospective observational study (ISRCTN-11676160, May 2019-June 2022), participants referred from primary care with clinician-suspected asthma underwent comprehensive investigation including: spirometry, bronchodilator reversibility, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, peak expiratory flow variability, bronchial challenge testing with methacholine and mannitol, and responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Results were reviewed by a panel of asthma specialists to determine asthma diagnosis (reference standard) and compared to each diagnostic test and the ERS, NICE and GINA diagnostic algorithms (index tests). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values were calculated. One hundred and forty adults were enrolled and 118 given a definitive diagnostic outcome [75 female; mean (SD) age 36 (12) years; 70 (59%) with asthma] and included in the analysis. Sensitivity of individual tests was poor (15-62%), but they provided good specificity at the most stringent thresholds (range: 88-100%). The sensitivity/specificity of ERS, NICE and GINA was 81/85%, 41/100% and 47/100%, respectively. Concordance between guidelines was only moderate (Cohen's Kappa 0.45-0.51). Current guidelines for the diagnosis of asthma in adults provide either excellent specificity but low sensitivity (GINA and NICE) or only reasonable sensitivity and specificity (ERS). All guidelines therefore have limitations with regards to their clinical application; new guidelines are needed but should be tested prospectively before roll out. This work was supported by the Manchester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) (grant no. BRC-1215-20007, and NIHR203308), Asthma UK/Innovate (grant no. AUK-PG-2018-406), GSK ID 212474 and North West Lung Centre Charity.

255: VA ECMO Expected Progression: Implementation of an Adult Cardiogenic Shock Goal-Oriented Patient Management Guideline

255: VA ECMO Expected Progression: Implementation of an Adult Cardiogenic Shock Goal-Oriented Patient Management Guideline

Current Trends of Exercise Programs for Improving Cognitive Function in Older Adults

PURPOSE: Limited studies have analyzed exercise protocols for cognitive improvement in older adults. Therefore, we closely examined the composition, content, and operation methods of these exercise programs to identify current trends.METHODS: We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2019 and 2024. The search terms used included “older adults”, “cognitive function”, “mild cognitive impairment”, “dementia”, “exercise”, “physical activity”, and other related terms, in both Korean and English.RESULTS: Aerobic exercises primarily comprised step-based exercises (walking and stepping) and dance routines, typically lasting 15-60 minutes per session, 1-3 times per week for 6-24 weeks, regardless of the individual’s cognitive level. Assistant instructors often participated, and in cases of severe cognitive impairment, patients’ caregivers also participated. Resistance exercises were most often performed using body weight and elastic bands, along with other tools and equipment, such as balls, water bottles, or specialized equipment. The exercises commonly involved 8-12 repetitions, 2-3 sets, with 1-minute rest between sets. Several programs included functional exercises to improve daily living performance. Other activities that were incorporated into the exercise programs included exergames and balance, mind-body, peripheral, and eye exercises.CONCLUSIONS: Recent cognitive exercise programs for older adults typically last three months and use a variety of tools or digital technologies within the scope of older adult exercise guidelines. Exercises for people with severe cognitive impairment tend to be more individualized, gradual, and flexible in their approach.

Adherence to adult clinical practice guidelines for Down syndrome.

Adults with Down syndrome (DS) have unique health care needs with evidence-based care guidelines to address these. Yet, the 2020 adult guidelines were unstudied; we aimed to assess adherence to these guidelines. We reviewed clinical and demographic data from medical charts of 327 adults with DS who were seen in the MGH DSP. We calculated adherence to care guidelines and analyzed correlations between both demographic traits and clinical results. Mean adherence rate to each of the nine adult guidelines was 67.3%. Adherence rates that were below our mean adherence rate included colonoscopy (42.9%), iron (41.9%), audiology specialist (35.8%), and audiogram (35.2%). We found four significant correlations: assigned females at birth had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) than assigned males at birth (p < 0.001), Hispanic patients had a significantly higher BMI than other patients (p = 0.015), Hispanic patients had a significantly higher rate of diabetes than other patients (p = 0.036), and Black patients had a significantly lower rate of hypothyroidism than other patients (p = 0.004). We assessed the adherence rates to adult DS guidelines and highlighted disparities in healthcare for patients with DS to inform clinicians on how to improve care for patients with DS.

Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults Living With and Beyond Cancer

Abstract Importance: Occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in addressing the impairments, occupational performance, and participation needs of adults living with and beyond cancer. Objective: These Practice Guidelines aim to assist occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers in applying evidence and expert opinion to occupational therapy practice across the cancer continuum of care, including identifying gaps in care. Key focus areas include psychosocial function, fatigue, cognition, pain, sleep, and physical activity. These guidelines can serve as a reference for policymakers, health care professionals, health care managers, regulators, third-party payers, and managed care organizations to manage, reimburse, and set policy. Method: We examined, synthesized, and integrated the results of systematic reviews, supporting literature, and expert opinion to develop and provide clinical recommendations for practice in the care of adults living with and beyond cancer. Results: Sixteen systematic reviews with moderate to strong strength of evidence published between 2019 and 2022 served as the foundation for these Practice Guidelines. Conclusions and Recommendations: To support symptom management for adults living with and beyond cancer, occupational therapy practitioners can consider using psychosocial interventions for anxiety, depression, posttraumatic growth, and overall psychological distress. Practitioners can consider using physical activity interventions for cancer-related fatigue, cognitive performance, and sleep. Practitioners could also consider using interventions for cognition, pain management, and self-management for the improvement of cancer-related symptoms. Plain-Language Summary: These Practice Guidelines provide strong and moderate levels of evidence for occupational therapy practitioners to support adults living with and beyond cancer. They provide specific guidance for addressing pain, cancer-related fatigue, cancer-related cognitive impairments, psychosocial well-being, sleep, and physical activity. The guidelines also include case examples and an infographic to support occupational therapy practitioners in integrating evidence to support interventions in cancer care, and they highlight gaps and expert opinions in practice for continued clinically relevant research.

Surgical management of rare tumors (Part 1).

With an annual cumulative occurrence of approximately 15,000 in North America, all childhood cancers are rare. Very rare cancers as defined by both the European Cooperative Study Group for Rare Pediatric Cancers and the Children's Oncology Group fall into two principal categories: those so uncommon (fewer than 2 cases/million) that their study is challenging even through cooperative group efforts (e.g., pleuropulmonary blastoma and desmoplastic small round cell tumor) and those that are far more common in adults and therefore rarely studied in children (e.g., thyroid, melanoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor). Treatment strategies for these latter tumors are typically based on adult guidelines, although the pediatric variants of these tumors may harbor different genetic signatures and demonstrate different behavior. If melanoma and differentiated thyroid cancer are excluded, other rare cancer types account for only 2% of the cancers in children aged 0 to 14. This article highlights several of the most common rare tumor types.